I've always sought to be a well-balanced, stable and holistic individual. I wanted to be that person who only spoke when it was needed, and whose words summed up a beautiful average of everything that was pertinent, everything that was relevant to the topic of conversation at hand. Over time, I've learnt to accept that my personality isn't subject to the character Betty from that broadway show or Matt from the movie that scored a mere 22% on Rotten Tomatoes. I'm fluid. I'm mercurial. And I am incapable of being categorised, restricted, morphed or bottled. I'm just me, and let's face it, me can talk your ear off nineteen to a dozen ANY day of the damned week. Sometimes, I'm reserved and I think my opinions are far too tasteful for you to digest; other days, I feel like telling you why it's important to have a cow in your backyard that poops fresh cheese. Having said that, I do seek to cushion my life with themes of happiness, togetherness, friends, family, holistic wellbeing, wine and good food. And if I stay true to my fluidity, this blog should echo much the same.
Today I felt like gloating about my night time routine. Please bear in mind the adjectives I used to describe myself. Fluid. Mercurial. I am flippant about this routine, but on good days this is what it looks like. Hypothetically, today be that good day.
My Night Time Routine
I love detoxifying teas. I'm a bit sick of Green Tea, so I've tried switching it up with Chamomile Tea and sometimes Peppermint Tea which is by far one of my favourites. I put some water in a kettle, and allow it to do its thing. Usually by this time, I've had a lot of water throughout the day and hearing the bubbles in my kettle makes me want to wee. So I do. Insert picture. Hah, I was only joking. Oh but if that's your thing, put it down in the comments below and I'll make it happen. Skipping ahead...
My parents bought me this hella cute mug at a carnival last year, and I love sipping my teas from it. The ceramic exteriors and rubber lid keep my tea warm and there's a little hole in the lid that allows the perfect rate of cooling. I prepare my tea beforehand, so it motivates me to go through the rest of my routine and curl up with my big fat mug. Also, the house smells so fresh and spa-like. I love spas.
After this, I step into the bath to rinse my feet and pat them dry. Then, I brush my teeth and do a wall-sit for 60-75 seconds while I scrub my pearly whites. I wash my face real goooood. I'm currently using the Origins' Zero Oil Cleanser. It's a deep pore cleanser with saw palmetto & mint, and it works wonders for oily skin, while still being gentle. I got loads of face masks last year, and I've been going through them like crazy. It's been getting so hot out here, and I prefer to use a face mask like the Lakmé Sun Expert Skin Lightening + De-Tan After Sun Face Mask. It's very soothing because of the cucumber and lemon grass, and keeps my skin moisturised and well-prepped for the scorching sun that will hit me the next morning.
At this point, I am doing one of many activities + sipping on tea, while waiting for the mask to dry up. I've been reading a book recommended to me by one of my closest friends, who shall not go by her name and I shall call her 'Wendy'. She'll appreciate being called Wendy. The book is 'The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August' and is authored by Claire North. I'm at Chapter 11, and have really been engrossed into the book thanks to the mysteriously riveting protagonist.
I also play 'Words with Friends' with my Mum, brother and random strangers - everybody except my friends. The game is akin to Scrabble and could be either a very good thing or an atrocious thing for somebody as competitive as me. I even read Vox at vox.com; it is a website I cherish and love to visit. One of my closest friends in the wholeeee wide world is getting married very soon, and I also spend my time gleaning websites to find nice wedding trousseaus, event themes and jewellery designs. She also shall not go by her name; I shall call her 'Nelly'. She won't appreciate being called Nelly. Mask is dry, I wash it off.
Then I use a 3:1 combination of Kroger's witch hazel astringent and apple cider vinegar as a toner. Apple cider vinegar is the best thing since sliced bread. It stinks, it smells, but it gets RESULTS. Probably what some would say to describe me, I respectfully disagree with their olfactory receptors and now I digress. Then I use a combination of Body Shop's Tea Tree Pore Minimiser and Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion for my face and neck area. I also dot my eyes with the No 7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream and gently spread the product around my beautiful eyes. If I have a spot or two then I go in with Shiseido's Blemish Targeting Gel and ohmygod WHERE has this been throughout my high school. A little dot on a spot takes care of this overnight.
Then I use a 3:1 combination of Kroger's witch hazel astringent and apple cider vinegar as a toner. Apple cider vinegar is the best thing since sliced bread. It stinks, it smells, but it gets RESULTS. Probably what some would say to describe me, I respectfully disagree with their olfactory receptors and now I digress. Then I use a combination of Body Shop's Tea Tree Pore Minimiser and Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion for my face and neck area. I also dot my eyes with the No 7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream and gently spread the product around my beautiful eyes. If I have a spot or two then I go in with Shiseido's Blemish Targeting Gel and ohmygod WHERE has this been throughout my high school. A little dot on a spot takes care of this overnight.
I bought an Olive Oil spray sometime last year, and I simply love spraying this on my feet before bedtime and gently massaging it in. My reward is soft feet come daylight.
Somewhere during the evening, I try to create my own version of aromatherapy in the bedroom by spritzing a concentrated room fragrance I bought at Bath & Body Works called 'Fresh Balsam'. My brother & I have had many a disagreement about how it isn't a coincidence that the 'Balsam' spray smells just like the word sounds. If I'm feeling like it, then I even light a candle or two; my current favourite is Limoncello from Bath & Body Works because it smells very fresh and citrus-y without being overbearingly sweet. Before I get some zzz's, I use this app called Headspace. It's a very relaxing and soothing app that helps you meditate and sleep well. It helps me calm down, collect my thoughts and get ready to unwind. I normally try to not use electronics before I go to bed, but using Headspace and keeping in touch with family and friends back home, tempt me to use my phone.
Somewhere during the evening, I try to create my own version of aromatherapy in the bedroom by spritzing a concentrated room fragrance I bought at Bath & Body Works called 'Fresh Balsam'. My brother & I have had many a disagreement about how it isn't a coincidence that the 'Balsam' spray smells just like the word sounds. If I'm feeling like it, then I even light a candle or two; my current favourite is Limoncello from Bath & Body Works because it smells very fresh and citrus-y without being overbearingly sweet. Before I get some zzz's, I use this app called Headspace. It's a very relaxing and soothing app that helps you meditate and sleep well. It helps me calm down, collect my thoughts and get ready to unwind. I normally try to not use electronics before I go to bed, but using Headspace and keeping in touch with family and friends back home, tempt me to use my phone.
Then it's me, my tea, my book/whatever it is that suits my fancy. I also keep a notebook journal and a pen at my bedside table, just in case, you know, apocalypses. If you're one of those awesome people who like to workout in the morning and get it over with, I suggest keeping your workout gear ready, handy and visible so that it motivates you to start your day the way you intended it.
Bye! Love & light,
Anu
Anu